England U20s Team to face Ireland 2018

By HQ
March 15 2018

England U20s head coach Steve Bates has named his team to play Ireland in the final round of the 2018 Six Nations. Bates’ side head into the fixture on Friday at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena (KO 8pm, live on Sky Sports Action) still with a chance of retaining the title. The fixture at the Ricoh Arena forms part of a double header, with England’s Women also in action against Ireland (KO 5.30pm).

England, who are tied on 15 points with France, have made two changes to the side with James Scott replacing Sam Lewis in the second row, while Ben Loader comes into the starting XV on the wing. Loader’s inclusion means Jordan Olowofela moves to full back, James Grayson switches to fly half while Tom Hardwick is named at inside centre.

Ben Earl will captain the side from openside flanker in an unchanged backrow, while the front row is also the same as the one which defeated France 22-6 in Beziers last weekend.

Steve Bates said: “We had a very good performance in France in many areas but we know we can improve and we’ll be looking to do that on Friday against Ireland. “We came into this tournament with a very clear objective to improve every game with the aim that we could win the Six Nations and we’ve now got to that point.

“However, we’re just focused now on Ireland and putting in a really strong performance that allows us to win the game and we’ll see where that leaves us at the end of the tournament.

“It’s great that ourselves and the Red Roses have both got a chance of winning the tournament heading into that final fixture and I would urge people to come along and watch each game. “It should be a really exciting fixture at a Premiership stadium and we’re hoping for a big crowd which will in turn inspire the players of both teams.”